tihvaty  of  t:He  t:heological  ^tminaty 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 


John  M.  Krebs 
Donation 


y'T//^- 


^z^v. 


THE 

CONSTITUTION 

OF   THE 

/ 

KEFORMED  DUTCH  CHURCH 

OF 
NORTH  AMERICA : 

WITH 

AN  APPENDIX, 

eONTAI?JING 
FORMULARIES    FOR    THE    USE    OF    THE    CHURCHES; 

TOGETHER    WITH    THE 

RULES    AiS'D    ORDERS    FOR    THE    GOVERINMENT 

OF   THE 

GENERAL  SYNOD. 


NEW-YORK: 
^RI^-T£D    BY    L.  NICHOLS,   111    BEEKMAN-ST. 

J  834. 


Entered  according;  to  Act  of  Congress,  A.  U.  1834,  by 
"  The  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,"  at 
the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States 
for  the  Southern  District  of  New-York. 


EXTRACT 

from  the  Minutes  of  General  Synod,  June-,  1S34. 
"  Resolved,  That  an  edition  of  2000  copies  of  the  Revised 
Constitution  of  the  Dutch  Church  be  printed  on  fine  paper, 
done  up  in  leather  binding,  with  the  Rules  of  Order  for  the 
government  of  the  General  Synod,  and  the  various  forms 
adopted  by  this  Synod  appended." 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Knox,  Rev.T.  M.  Strong, 
and  the  Elder,  John  U.  Keese,  be  a  Committee  to  obtain 
and  accept  proposals  for  printing  and  binding  the  same, 
and  to  superintend  the  printing  and  publication." 

We  certify,  that  this  book  has  been  published  under  our 
inspection,  agreeably  to  the  above  order  of  General  Synod. 
JOHN  KNOX, 
THOMAS  M.  STRONG, 
JOHN  D.  KEESE. 
JVew-  York,  July,  1S34. 


IXTROmCTIOIV. 


For  the  maintenance  of  good  order  in  the  Church 
of  Christ,  it  is  necessary  there  should  be  certain 
Offices  and  Assemblies,  and  a  strict  attention  to 
Doctrines,  Sacraments,  Usages,  and  Christian 
Discipline ;  of  all  which  the  following  eccle- 
siastical ordinances  particularly  treat. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Of  the  Offices  in  the  Church. 

The  Offices  in  the  Church  of  Christ  are  fourfold, 


VIZ. 


1.  The  Office  of  Ministers  of  the  Word. 

2.  The  Office  of  Teachers  of  Theology. 

3.  The  Office  of  Elders. 

4.  The  Office  of  Deacons. 

1* 


ARTICLE  I. 

Of  Ministers  of  the  Word. 

Sec.  1.  No  person  shall  be  allowed  to  exercise 
the  oflSce  of  a  Minister,  without  being  thereinto 
regularly  inducted,  according  to  the  word  of  God, 
and  the  order  established  by  the  Church. 

Sec.  2.  Every  person  contemplating  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  before  he  commences  his  course 
of  Theological  studies,  shall  furnish  satisfactory 
evidence  of  his  being  a  member  in  full  communion 
and  in  good  standing  of  a  Reformed  Protestant 
Church  ;  of  his  piety,  abilities,  and  literary  attain- 
ments, and  thereupon  shall  be  admitted  into  the 
Theological  School ;  and  during  the  prosecution 
of  his  studies  there,  shall  be  subject  to  the  rules 
and  regulations  thereof,  and  when  he  shall  have 
completed  the  prescribed  course  and  term  of  The- 
ological studies,  shall  be  admitted  to  an  exa- 
mination according  to  the  regulations  of  the  school, 
as  established  by  General  Synod  ;  and  if  found 
qualified,  shall  receive  a  professoral  certificate  to 
that  effect,  which  shall  entitle  him  to  an  examina- 
tion for  licensure  before  the  Classis  to  which  he 
belongs. 

Sec.  3.  In  the  examination,  strict  attention  shall 
be  paid  to  the  attainments  of  the  Student,  not  only 


in  the  original  languages  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures, 
in  Biblical  Literature,  in  composition,  and  his  me- 
thod of  sermonizing,  but  he  shall  be  especially 
examined  respecting  his  knowledge  in  Theology, 
his  orthodoxy,  his  piety,  and  his  views  in  desiring 
to  become  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel. 

Sec.  4.  Whoever,  upon  examination,  shall  be 
approved  by  the  Classis,  must,  before  he  is  licensed, 
attest  his  adherence  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Gos- 
pel, by  subscribing  the  following  formula,  viz. — 

"  We,  the  underwritten,  testify,  that  the  Hei- 
delbergh  Catechism,  and  the  Confession  of  the 
Netherland  Churches  ;  as  also  the  Canons  of  the 
National  Synod  of  Dordrecht,  held  in  the  years 
1618  and  1619,  are  fully  conformable  to  the  word 
of  God.  We  promise  moreover,  that  as  far  as  we 
are  able,  we  will,  with  all  faithfulness,  teach  and 
defend,  both  in  public  and  private,  the  doctrines 
established  in  the  standards  aforesaid.  And, 
should  ever  any  part  of  these  doctrines  appear  to  us 
dubious,  we  will  not  divulge  the  same  to  the  peo- 
ple, nor  disturb  the  peace  of  the  church  or  of  any 
community,  until  we  first  communicate  our  senti- 
ments to  the  ecclesiastical  judicatories  under  which 
we  stand,  and  subject  ourselves  to  the  counsel  and 
sentence  of  the  same." 

Sec.  5.  After  subscribing  the  aforesaid  formula, 


the  candidate  sliall  be  entitled  to  a  certificate,  or 
testimonial  sigoed  by  the  President  of  Classis, 
before  whom  the  examination  is  held,  containing  a 
license  to  preach  the  Gospel. 

Sec.  6.  A  candidate  for  the  ministry  is  permit- 
ted only  to  preach  the  word,  but  he  may  not,  under 
any  pretence  whatever,  administer  the  sacraments; 
nor  can  he  be  a  delegate  to  represent  a  church  in 
any  ecclesiastical  assembly. 

Sec.  7.  Every  candidate  for  the  ministry  is  to 
consider  himself  under  the  immediate  direction  of 
the  Classis  which  examined  him,  and  subject  to 
the  control  of  the  General  Synod,  and  is  to  visit 
such  congregations,  and  preach  in  those  places  to 
which  the  Classis  or  Synod  shall  send  him  :  but  if 
no  particular  directions  are  given,  he  may  preach 
at  his  own  discretion  in  any  congregation  that  shall 
invite  him. 

Sec.  8.  Upon  receiving  a  call  from  any  parti- 
cular congregation,  a  candidate  shall  be  allowed 
time  to  consider  the  propriety  of  his  accepting  it. 
If  more  than  one  call  is  before  him  at  the  same 
time,  he  may  determine  which  he  will  prefer  ;  but 
if  there  be  only  one,  it  is  expected  he  will  not 
finally  refuse  the  same,  before  having  first  referred 
his  difficulties  to  the  Classis,  and  obtained  proper 
advice. 


9 

Sf.c.  9.  A  candidate  who  has  accepted  a  call, 
must  offer  himself  to  be  examined  for  his  becom- 
ing a  Minister.  In  this  final  examination,  besides 
a  repetition  of  his  previous  trials  in  composition 
and  sermonizing,  the  original  languages  of  the 
Sacred  Scriptures,  Biblical  Literature,  and  his 
knowledge  of  Theology,  as  well  didactic  as  pole- 
mic ;  he  shall  be  interrogated  respecting  the  na- 
ture and  administration  of  the  sacraments,  the 
duties  of  the  ministry,  and  his  knowledge  of  Ec- 
clesiastical History,  andof  Church  Government. 

Sec.  10.  Upon  giving  satisfaction  in  the  exa- 
mination, the  candidate  shall  subscribe  the  follow- 
ing formula,  viz. — 

"  We,  the  underwritten,  Ministers  of  the  word 
of  God,  residing  within  the  bounds  of  the  Classis  of 
N.  N.,  do  hereby  sincerely,  and  in  good  conscience 
before  the  Lord,  declare  by  this  our  subscription, 
that  we  heartily  believe,  and  are  persuaded,  that  all 
the  articles  and  points  of  doctrine  contained  in  the 
Confession  and  Catechism  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church,  together  with  the  explanation  of  some 
point?  of  the  aforesaid  doctrine  made  in  the  Na- 
tional Synod  held  at  Dordrecht  in  the  year  1619, 
do  fully  agree  with  the  word  of  God.  We  promise 
therefore,  diligently  to  teach,  and  faithfully  to  de- 
fend the  aforesaid  doctrine,  without  either  directly 


10 

or  indirectly  conlrarlicting  the  same  by  our  public 
preaching  or  writings.  We  declare  moreover,  that 
we  not  only  reject  all  errors  that  militate  against 
this  doctrine,  and  particularly  those  which  are 
condemned  in  the  above-mentioned  Synod  ;  but 
that  we  are  disposed  to  refute  and  contradict  them, 
and  to  exert  oursielves  in  keeping  the  church  pure 
from  such  errors.  And  if  hereafter  any  difficul- 
ties, or  different  sentiments  respecting  the  afore- 
said doctrine  should  arise  in  our  minds,  we  pro- 
mise that  we  will  neither  publicly  nor  privately 
propose,  teach,  or  defend  the  same,  either  by 
preaching  or  writing,  until  we  have  first  revealed 
such  sentiment  to  the  Consistory,  Classis,  or  Synod, 
that  the  same  may  be  there  examined  ;  being  ready 
always  cheerfully  to  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the 
Consistory,  Classis,  or  Synod,  under  the  penalty, 
incase  of  refusal,  to  be  ipso  facto  suspended  from 
our  office.  And  farther,  if  at  any  time  the  Con- 
sistory, the  Classis,  or  Synod,  upon  sufficient 
grounds  of  suspicion,  and  to  preserve  the  unifor- 
mity and  purity  of  doctrine,  may  deem  it  proper 
to  require  of  us  a  farther  explanation  of  our  senti- 
ments respecting  any  particular  article  of  the  Con- 
fession of  Faith,  the  Catechism,  or  tiie  explanation 
of  the  National  Synod,  we  do  hereby  promise  to 
be  always  willing  and  ready  to  comply  with  such 


11 

requisition,  under  the  penalty  above  mentioned  ; 
reserving,  however,  to  ourselves  the  right  of  an 
appeal,  whenever  we  shall  conceive  ourselves  ag- 
grieved by  the  sentence  of  the  Consistory,  the 
Classis,  or  Particular  Synod  ;  and  until  a  decision 
is  made  upon  such  appeal,  wc  will  acquiesce  ia 
the  determination  and  judgment  already  passed." 

Sec.  1 1 .  Upon  subscribing  the  aforesaid  formula, 
a  certificate,  signed  by  the  President,  shall  be 
given  to  the  candidate;  and  the  Classis  before 
which  the  examination  is  held,  shall  fix  a  day  for 
his  ordination. 

Sec.  12.  The  ordination  shall  be  conducted  by 
the  Classis  with  proper  solemnity,  a  sermon  suited 
to  the  occasion  shall  be  preached  by  him  who  has 
been  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  the  promises, 
directions,  explanations  of  duty,  with  a  laying  on 
of  hands,  shall  be  agreeably  to  the  form  for  that 
end  expressly  made  and  adopted. 

Sec.  13.  The  office  of  a  Minister  is  to  persevere 
in  prayer  and  the  ministry  of  the  word  ;  to  dis- 
pense the  sacraments  ;  to  watch  over  his  brethren 
the  Elders  and  Deacons,  as  well  as  over  the  whole 
congregation  ;  and  lastly,  in  conjunction  with  the 
Elders,  to  exercise  Christian  discipline,  and  to  be 
careful  that  all  things  be  done  decently  and  in 
good  order.     Every  Minister  must  consider  him- 


12 

self  as  wholly  devoted  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
in  the  service  of  the  church  ;  and  shall  faithfully 
fulfil  the  obligations  of  his  call,  in  preaching,  cate- 
chizing, and  visiting  his  flock  ;  and  be  instant  in 
season  and  out  of  season  ;  and  by  word  and  ex- 
ample always  promote  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his 
people. 

Sec.  14.  No  person  shall  be  ordained  to  the 
ministry  of  the  word,  without  settling  in  some  con- 
gregation, unless  he  be  sent  as  a  Missionary  to 
churches,  or  employed  to  gather  congregations, 
where  none  have  as  yet  been  established. 

Sec.  15.  a  minister  of  the  word,  being  once 
lawfully  called,  in  manner  before  mentioned,  is 
bomid  to  the  service  of  the  sanctuary,  as  long  as 
lie  liveth.  Therefore,  he  shall  not  be  at  liberty 
to  devote  himself  to  a  secular  vocation^  except  for 
great  and  important  reasons,  concerning  which 
the  Classis  shall  inquire  and  determine. 

Sec.  16.  No  Minister,  relinquishing  the  service 
of  his  own  church,  or  being  unattached  to  any 
particular  congregation,  shall  be  permitted  to 
preach  indiscriminately  from  place  to  place,  with- 
out the  consent  and  authority  of  the  Classis  ;  in 
like  manner,  no  Minister  may  preach  or  adminis- 
ter the  sacraments  in  any  church  other  than  his 
own,  without  the  consent  of  the  Consistory  of  that 
church. 


13 

Sec.  17.  Ministers,  wlio  by  r(3as()n  of  old  ajrp, 
or  habitual  sickness  and  iniirmities,  either  of  mind 
or  body,  are  not  capable  of  fulfilling  the  duties  of 
the  ministry,  may,  upon  application,  and  sufficient 
proof  of  such  incapacity  being  made  to  the  Classis, 
be  declared  emeriti,  and  be  excused  from  all  far- 
ther service  in  the  church  during  such  infirmity  ; 
reserving,  however,  to  them  the  title,  rank,  and 
character,  which  before  such  declaration  they  en- 
joyed. In  all  such  cases,  before  the  Classis  de- 
clares any  minister  emeritus,  they  shall  require  a 
stipulation  in  writing  from  the  Consistory  to  which 
he  belongs,  under  their  common  seal,  and  signed 
by  their  President,  to  pay  such  Minister  annually, 
in  half  yearly  payments,  during  his  exemption 
from  pastoral  service,  for  his  support,  such  sum 
as  the  Classis  shall  deem  reasonable,  having  due 
regard  to  the  stated  salary  of  such  Minister,  and 
the  situation  and  ability  of  the  congregation. 

Sec.  18.  For  the  regular  obtaining  of  dismis- 
sions, when  a  Minister  has  received  and  accepted 
a  call  from  another  place,  it  is  required  that  a 
neighbouring  Minister  of  the  same  Classis  to 
which  the  congregation  belongs,  be  invited  to  be 
present,  and  superintend  the  dismission  of  the 
Minister  from  his  congregation,  countersign  the 
instrument  of  dismission,  and  consider  it  as  his 


14 

duty  to  deliver  the  same,  with  a  report  upon  the 
subject,  to  the  Classis  ;  which  report  and  document 
shall  serve  as  a  basis  upon  which  the  final  dis- 
mission and  certificate  of  the  Classis  shall  be 
founded. 

Seg.  19.  All  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  are  equal 
in  rank  and  autliority  ;  all  are  Bishops,  or  Over- 
seers in  the  church  ;  and  all  are  equal  Stewards 
of  the  mysteries  of  God.  No  superiority  shall 
therefore  be  ever  claimed  or  acknowledged  by 
one  Minister  over  another,  nor  shall  there  be  any 
lords  over  God's  heritage  in  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Churches. 

Sec.  20.  Consistories  of  vacant  congrejTations 
shall  not  invite  or  permit  Ministers  of  other  deno- 
minations in  this  country,  whose  characters  and 
standing  are  not  known,  to  preach  within  their 
bounds,  unless  they  exhibit  satisfactory  evidence 
in  writing,  of  a  recent  date,  of  their  regular  au- 
thority for  that  purpose,  and  their  good  standing  ; 
and  in  all  doubtful  cases,  such  Consistories  shall 
consult  a  Standing  Committee  of  Classis  to  be  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose. 

Sec.  21.  The  judicatories  of  the  church  shall 
receive  no  Licentiates  or  Ministers  under  their 
care  from  any  body  of  professing  Christians,  who 
maintain  doctrines  different  from   those  of  the 


15 

Reformed  Dutch  Church,  without  an  open  anJ 
explicit  declaration,  on  tiieir  part,  that  they  have 
renounced  such  doctrines,  as  contrary  to  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  and  the  standards  of  our  church.  If 
an  application  be  made  for  admission  of  a  Minister 
from  a  church  with  which  we  are  in  correspond- 
ence, it  shall  be  competent  for  the  Classis,  in  case 
there  be  grounds  of  presumption  against  his  doc- 
trine and  morals,  to  propose  such  inquiries  as  shall 
enable  them  to  proceed  with  freedom  in  his  case. 
Sec.  22.  With  respect  to  foreigners,  who  claim 
the  privilege  of  preaching  the  Gospel,  no  Consis- 
tory shall  be  permitted  to  invite  any  one  of  them, 
of  whatever  denomination,  to  preach,  before  he 
shall  lay  his  credentials  before  the  Classis  to  which 
such  Consistory  is  subordinate,  and  be  regularly 
accepted  and  authorized  by  them  to  exercise  his 
ministry  within  their  bounds;  and  no  Classis  shall 
be  permitted  to  receive  and  accredit  such  foreign 
Minister,  unless  he  produce  to  them,  besides  am- 
ple and  regular  certificates  of  his  license  or  ordi- 
nation, and  of  his  dismission  and  recommendations, 
of  recent  date,  from  the  competent  church  judica- 
tory, letters  of  recommendation  also  from  some 
known  respectable  character,  in  the  country  from 
which  he  has  emigrated,  to  his  correspondent  in 
this  country,  stating  the  authenticity  of  his  ere- 


16 

(lentials,  and  tlie  jrood  clmractpr  and  standing  of 
the  bearer,  as  a  Minister  ofllie  Gospel,  and  that 
he  is  an  advocate  of  the  doctrines  of  grace  pro- 
fessed by  the  Reformed  Church. 

ARTICLE    II. 

Of  Teachers  of  Theology. 
Sec.  1.  As  it  is  of  the  last  importance  that 
Professors  of  Theology  should  be  sound  in  the 
faith,  possess  abilities  to  teach,  and  have  the  con- 
fidence of  the  churches,  they  shall  always,  for  the 
greater  security,  be  chosen  and  appointed  by  a 
majority  of  votes  in  the  General  Synod  only.  To 
prevent,  as  far  as  possible,  the  unhappy  conse- 
quences of  partiality,  haste,  or  undue  influence  in 
obtaining  an  office  of  such  consequence  to  the 
church,  a  nomination  of  one  or  more  candidates 
shall  be  previously  made,  upon  which  the  Synod 
shall  fix  a  day  when  they  will  proceed  to  an  elec- 
tion ;  provided  that  no  appointment  of  a  Professor 
in  Theology  shall  ever  be  made  on  tlie  same  day 
on  which  he  is  nominated.  An  instrument  certi- 
fying the  appointment,  and  specifying  the  general 
duties  of  the  office,  shall  be  signed  in  the  presence 
of  the  General  Synod,  by  the  President  thereof, 
and  by  him  be  given,  in  the  name  of  the  church, 
to  the  person  elected. 


17 

Sr,c.  2.  No  porson  shall  ho  appoin(o<]  to  llio  oiWce 
of  a  Professor,  wlio  is  not  a  Ministor  in  oood  stand- 
ing, and  every  Professor  of  Theolofjy  shall  coritinn« 
in  his  oflice  during  life,  unless  in  case  ofsuch  mishe- 
liaviour  as  shall  be  deemed  a  violation  of  the  obli- 
gations entered  into  at  his  appointment ;  or  unless 
he  voluntarily  deserts  or  resigns  his  profession ; 
or  from  age  or  infirmities  becomes  incapable  of 
fulfilling  the  duties  thereof;  of  all  which  the  Ge- 
neral Synod  alone  shall  judge  ;  and  to  that  Synod 
a  Professor  of  Theology  shall  always  be  amenable 
for  his  doctrine,  mode  of  teaching,  and  moral 
conduct. 

Sec  .  3.  No  Professor  of  Theology  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  officiate  until  he  shall  have  subscribed 
the  following  formula,  viz. — 

"  We,  the  underwritten,  Professors  of  Sacred 
Theology  in  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  by  this 
our  subscription,  uprightly,  and  in  good  conscience 
before  God,  declare,  that  we  heartily  believe,  and 
are  persuaded,  that  all  the  articles  and  points  of 
doctrine  contained  in  the  Confession  and  Cate- 
chism of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Churches,  together 
with  the  explanation  of  some  points  of  the  said 
doctrine,  made  in  the  National  Synod,  held  at  Dor- 
drecht, in  the  year  1G19,  do  fully  agree  with  the 
word  of  God.     We  promise,  therefore,  that  we  will 


18 

diligently  tparh,  nnd  fciillirully  defenil  tlie  aforesaid 
doctrine  ;  and  tluit  we  will  not  inculcate  or  write, 
either  publicly  or  privately,  directly  or  indirectly, 
any  thing  against  the  same.  As  also,  that  we 
reject  not  only  all  the  errors  which  militate  against 
this  doctrine,  and  particularly  those  which  are 
condemned  in  the  above-mentioned  Synod  ;  but 
that  we  are  disposed  to  refute  the  same,  openly  to 
oppose  them,  and  to  exert  ourselves  in  keeping 
the  church  pure  from  such  errors.  Should  it  ne- 
vertheless hereafter  happen,  that  any  objections 
against  the  doctrine  might  arise  in  our  minds,  or 
we  entertain  different  sentiments,  we  promise  that 
we  will  not,  either  publicly  or  privately,  propose, 
teach,  or  defend  the  same,  by  preaching  or  writing, 
until  we  liave  first  fully  revealed  such  sentiments 
to  the  General  Synod,  to  whom  we  are  responsi- 
ble ;  that  our  opinions  may  in  the  said  General 
Synod  receive  a  thorough  examination,  being  ready 
always  cheerfully  to  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the 
General  Synod,  under  the  penalty,  in  case  of  refu- 
sal, to  be  censured  by  the  said  Synod.  And  when- 
ever the  General  Synod,  upon  sufficient  grounds 
of  suspicion,  and  to  preserve  the  uniformity  and 
purity  of  doctrines,  may  deem  it  proper  to  demand 
from  us  a  more  particular  explanation  of  our  sen- 
timents respecting   any  article  of  the  aforesaid 


19 

Confession,  Catechism,  or  Explanation  of  tlie 
National  Synod,  wo  promise  iierol)y  to  be  always 
willing  and  ready  to  comply  with  such  demand, 
under  the  penalty  before  mentioned  ;  reserving  to 
ourselves  the  right  of  rehearing,  or  a  new  trial,  if 
we  shall  conceive  ourselves  aggrieved  in  the  sen- 
tence of  the  General  Synod  ;  during  the  depend- 
ence of  which  new  trial,  we  promise  to  acquiesce 
in  the  judgment  already  passed,  as  well  as  finally 
to  submit,  Avithout  disturbing  the  peace  of  the 
churches,  to  the  ultimate  decision  of  the  said  Ge- 
neral Synod." 

Sec.  4.  No  Professor,  while  in  office,  shall  have 
the  Pastoral  charge  of  any  congregation,  or  be  a 
member  of  any  Ecclesiastical  Assembly  or  Judi- 
catory ;  but,  as  a  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  may 
preach,  and  administer,  or  assist  in  administering 
the  sacraments  in  any  congregation  with  the  con- 
sent of  the  Minister  or  Consistory. 

Sec.  5.  A  Professor  shall  be  at  liberty  to  resign 
his  office,  by  sending  in  his  resignation  to  the  Pre- 
sident of  General  Synod,  on  the  first  day  of  any 
regular  meeting,  and  giving  six  months  previous 
notice  to  the  said  President  of  his  intention  to 
do  so. 


20 

APvTTCLF.    ITT. 

Of  the  Offices  of  Elders  and  Deacons. 

Sec.  1.  The  office  of  Elders  (besides  what  is 
common  to  them  with  the  Ministers  of  the  Word, 
expressed  in  Chapter  I.  Article  1.  Section  13,)  is, 
to  take  heed  that  the  Ministers,  together  w'itli  their 
fellow-Elders  and  Deacons,  faithfully  discharge 
tlieir  respective  duties  ;  and  also,  especially  before 
or  after  the  Lord's  supper,  as  time  and  circum- 
stances permit,  and  as  shall  be  most  for  the  edifi- 
cation of  the  congregation,  to  assist  in  performing 
visitations,  in  order  particularly  to  instruct  and 
comfort  tlie  members  in  full  communion,  as  well 
as  to  exhort  others  to  t!ie  regular  profession  of  the 
Christian  religion. 

Sec.  2.  The  office  peculiar  to  the  Deacons  is, 
diligently  to  collect  the  alms  and  otiier  moneys 
appropriated  for  the  use  of  the  poor,  and  with  the 
advice  of  the  Consistory,  cheerfully  and  faithfully 
to  distribute  the  same  to  strangers,  as  well  as  to 
those  of  their  own  household,  according  to  the 
measure  of  their  respective  necessities ;  to  visit 
and  comfort  the  distressed,  and  to  be  careful  that 
the  alms  be  not  misused  ;  of  the  distribution  of 
which,  they  shall  render  an  account  in  Consistory, 
at  such  time  as  the  said  Consistory  siiall  deter- 


21 

mine,  and  in  the  presence  of  so  many  of  llie  con- 
gregation as  may  choose  to  attend.  Sliould  more 
be  collected  than  the  necessities  of  the  poor  may 
require,  such  surplus  may,  with  the  consent  of 
the  Consistory,  be  devoted  to  other  purposes,  con- 
nected with  the  wants  of  the  church. 

Sec.  3.  In  all  cases  the  Elders  and  Deacons 
shall  be  chosen  from  the  male  members  of  the 
church,  in  full  communion,  and  in  forming  new 
churches,  they  shall  be  chosen  by  the  male  com- 
municants ;  at  whose  election  a  neighbouring  Mi- 
nister of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  shall  pre- 
side ;  and  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  such 
election  shall  be  published  at  least  two  Sabbaths, 
in  the  church  or  usual  place  of  worship,  previous 
to  the  election. 

Sec.  4.  The  manner  of  choosing  Elders  and 
Deacons  in  churches  already  organized,  shall  be 
as  follows  :  A  double  number  may  be  nominated 
by  the  Consistory,  out  of  which  the  members  of 
the  church  in  full  communion,  may  choose  those 
who  shall  serve. — Or,  all  the  said  members  may 
unite  in  nominating  and  choosing  the  whole  num- 
ber without  the  interference  of  the  Consistory. — 
Or,  the  Consistory,  for  the  time  being,  as  repre- 
senting all  the  members,  may  choose  the  whole, 
and  refer  the  persons  thus  chosen,  by  publishing 
them  in  the  church,  for  the  approbation  of  the 


22 

people.  This  last  method  has  been  found  most 
convenient,  especially  in  large  churches,  and  has 
long  been  generally  adopted.  But  where  that,  or 
either  of  the  other  modes  has  for  many  years  been 
followed  in  any  church,  there  shall  be  no  variation 
or  change,  but  by  previous  application  to  the 
Classis,  and  express  leave  first  obtained  for  alter- 
ing such  custom. 

Sec.  5.  The  Elders  and  Deacons  shall  be  chosen 
to  serve  two  years,  except  when  chosen  to  fill  a 
vacancy  or  vacancies  occasioned  by  death,  removal 
out  of  the  congregation,  resignation,  or  dismission 
from  office,  by  the  sentence  of  the  Consistory  ;  in 
either  of  which  cases,  the  person  or  persons  chosen 
to  fill  such  vacancy  or  vacancies,  shall  serve  for 
the  residue  of  the  term  only. 

Sec.  6.  In  order  to  avoid  the  inconvenience  of 
an  entire  change  at  one  time,  the  first  Elders  and 
Deacons  of  new  congregations  shall,  at  the  first 
meeting  of  the  Consistory  after  their  ordination, 
be  put  into  two  classes,  and  the  classes  be  marked 
Numbers  1  and  2,  and  the  names  to  be  put  into 
each  class  shall  be  determined  by  ballot,  and  the 
term  of  service  in  Consistory  of  those  in  the  first 
class  shall  expire  at  the  end  of  the  first  year,  so 
that  one  half  of  the  whole  number  of  Elders  and 
Deacons  may  be  elected  annually.  The  same 
course  shall  be  pursued  by  all  the  Consistories 


23 

wlien  they  shall  deem  it  requisite  to  enlarge  the 
number  of  their  Elders  and  Deacons,  so  far  as 
relates  to  the  additional  number  of  members  chosen 
by  them.  But  this  does  not  forbid  the  liberty  of 
immediately  choosing  the  same  persons  again,  if 
from  any  circumstances  it  may  be  judged  expedient 
to  continue  them  in  Consistory  by  a  re-election. 


CHAPTER    ir. 
Of  Ecclesiastical  Assemblies. 

ARTICLE    I. 

Of  Ecclesiastical  Asscmhlies  in  general. 

Sec.  I.  The  Ecclesiastical  Assemblies  which 
shall  be  maintained,  are, 

1.  Consistorial. 

2.  Classical. 

3.  Synodical. 

Sec.  2.  In  these  assemblies  ecclesiastical  mat- 
ters only  shall  be  transacted,  and  that  in  an  eccle- 
siastical manner.  A  greater  assembly  shall  take 
cognizance  of  those  things  alone  which  could  not 
be  determined  in  a  less,  or  that  appertain  to  the 
churches  or  congregations  in  general,  which  com- 
pose such  an  assembly. 


24 

Sec.  3.  The  transactions  of  all  Ecclesiastical 
Assemblies  shall  begin  and  conclude  with  prayer. 

Sec.  4.  Those  who  are  delegated  to  attend  the 
assemblies  shall  bring  with  them  credentials ^  signed 
by  those  who  send  them ;  and  such  only  shall  be 
entitled  to  a  vote. 

Sec.  5.  In  all  assemblies  there  shall  be  a  Pre- 
sident and  Secretary.  The  business  of  the  Se- 
cretary shall  be  to  keep  a  faithful  record  of  all  the 
proceedings.  The  oflice  of  the  President  is  to 
state  and  explain  the  business  which  is  to  be  trans- 
acted ;  to  preserve  order  ;  and  in  general  to  main- 
tain that  decorum  and  dignity  becoming  a  judica- 
tory of  the  Church  of  Christ. 

Sec.  6.  A  Classis  has  the  same  jurisdiction 
over  a  Consistory,  which  a  Particular  Synod  has 
over  a  Classis,  and  a  General  Synod  over  a  Par- 
ticular. 

Sec.  7.  Any  individual  conceiving  himself  to 
be  personally  aggrieved  or  injured  by  the  decision 
of  a  lower  Judicatory,  may  appeal  therefrom  to  the 
ju(i<2;ment  of  an  higher  Judicatory  ;  and  any  lower 
Judicatory,  as  a  Consistory  or  Classis,  esteeming 
itself  aggrieved  by  the  judgment  or  censure  of  a 
higher,  enjoys  the  same  privilege ;  but  in  such 
case  the  appeal  must  be  made  by  the  Judicatory  as 
such  when  reeularlv  convened,  and  not  bv  anv 


25 

individuals  belonging  to  it.  Every  individual  ap- 
pealing, is  bound  to  give  his  appeal,  with  the  rea- 
sons thereof,  in  writing,  to' the  Judicatory  appealed 
from,  or  to  the  President  thereof,  at  the  most  in 
ten  days  after  notice  of  his  intention ;  which  notice 
is  to  be  given  at  the  time  when  he  conceives  him- 
self aggrieved ;  and  on  default  his  appeal  falls. 
The  appeal  of  a  Consistory  or  Classis  may  be  made 
after  the  session  of  the  Judicatory  at  which  the 
decision  appealed  from  was  given,  but  it  must  be 
made  known  and  the  reasons  of  it  stated  in  writing 
to  the  President,  a  reasonable  length  of  time  be- 
fore the  next  meeting  of  the  higher  Judicatory  to 
which  the  appeal  is  made.  If  the  appellant  give 
notice  and  satisfactory  reasons  to  the  President  of 
the  Judicatory  to  which  the  appeal  is  made  that  he 
cannot  attend  at  their  next  stated  meeting,  his  ap- 
peal shall  lie  over  to  their  next  following  stated 
meeting ;  but  if  no  such  notice  and  reason  be  given, 
and  he  does  not  appear  to  prosecute  his  appeal,  it 
shall  be  considered  as  relinquished.  It  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  several  lower  ecclesiastical  assemblies, 
from  whose  acts,  proceedings,  or  decisions  any  ap- 
peal is  made,  to  transmit  a  certified  copy  of  the  act? 
proceeding,  or  decision  so  appealed  from,  signed 
by  the  President,  and  countersigned  by  the  Clerk, 
together  with  the  appeal  and  reasons  accompany- 


'26 

ing  the  same  to  the  assembly  appealed  to  at  the 
next  regular  meeting  thereof. 

Sec.  8.  No  member  of  an  ecclesiastical  assem- 
bly shall  be  allowed  to  protest  against  any  of  its 
acts;  any  member  who  dissents  from  any  such 
acts,  shall  have  a  right  to  require  the  names  of  all 
the  members  present,  who  vote  for  or  against  the 
same,  to  be  entered  in  the  minutes,  and  published 
therewith  for  the  information  of  all  concerned. 

Sec.  9.  In  order  to  prevent  vexation  and  delay 
in  the  judicial  proceedings  of  any  ecclesiastical 
assembly  by  means  of  successive  appeals  in  the 
progress  of  any  trial  or  investigation,  the  party 
w  ho  may  consider  himself  aggrieved  by  any  deci- 
sion, upon  any  incidental  question  which  niay  arise 
before  a  final  sentence  is  pronounced,  may  state 
his  objections  to  such  decision,  and  require  to  have 
the  same  noted  in  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings, 
to  the  end  that  he  may  avail  himself  thereof  on  an 
appeal  from  the  final  sentence,  without  arresting 
the  progress  of  such  investigation  or  trial.  And 
in  such  cases  every  decision  objected  to,  as  well 
as  the  objections,  shall  be  distinctly  stated  in  the 
minutes  of  such  assembly,  and  sent  up  with  the 
appeal  to  the  appellate  judicatory  for  review. 

Sec.  10.  Individuals  who  have  voted  in  a  lower 
court  upon  a  case  which  is  carried  up  by  appeal, 


27 

shall  not  he  at  liberty  to  vote  upon  the  trial  of  the 
appeal  in  the  higher  courts. 

Sec.  1 1.  In  any  decision  or  adjudication  of  an 
ecclesiastical  court  which  the  minority,  or  any 
member  of  the  minority  may  regard  as  injuriously 
affecting  the  interests  of  truth,  or  of  vital  godliness, 
they  may  present  the  same  to  the  Classis,  Parti- 
cular or  General  Synod,  by  way  of  complaint,  for 
their  examination  and  supervision. 

Sec.  12.  This  complaint,  if  entertained,  brings 
the  whole  proceedings  in  the  case  under  the  review 
of  the  superior  judicatory. 

Sec.  13.  No  person  shall  be  admitted  to  a  seat 
in  any  of  our  ecclesiastical  assemblies  as  an  advi- 
sory member. 

ARTICLE    II. 

0/  Consistories. 

Sec.  1 .  The  Elders  and  Deacons,  together  with 
the  Minister  or  Ministers,  if  any,  shall  form  a 
Consistory,  and  the  Minister  shall  preside  at  all 
consistorial  meetings  ;  but  in  the  absence  of  a 
Minister,  the  Consistory  may  appoint  one  of  the 
Elders  to  be  their  president  pro  tern.,  and  it  shall 
be  competent  for  the  several  Consistories  to  pre- 
scribe the  mode  and  time  of  calling  their  meetings. 


28 

If  there  be  a  plurality  of  Ministers,  they  shall  pre- 
side in  rotation. 

Sec.  2.  The  Elders,  with  the  Ministers  of  the 
word,  constitute  what  in  the  original  Article  of 
Church  Government  is  properly  called  the  Consis- 
tory. But  as  the  Deacons  have  always  in  America, 
where  the  congregations  were  at  first  very  small, 
(See  Synod  Dord.  Art.  38.)  been  joined  with  the 
Elders  ;  and  wherever  charters  have  been  obtained 
are  particularly  named,  as  forming  with  them  one 
Consistory,  it  is  necessary  to  define  their  joint  as 
well  as  respective  powers.  From  the  form  of 
their  ordination,  it  is  evident,  that  to  the  Elders, 
together  with  the  Ministers  of  the  word,  is  com- 
mitted the  spiritual  government  of  the  church ; 
while  to  the  Deacons  belong  the  obtaining  charir 
table  assistance,  and  the  distribution  of  the  same, 
in  the  most  efTectual  manner  for  the  relief  and 
comfort  of  the  poor.  When  joined  together  in 
one  board,  the  Elders  and  Deacons  have  all  an 
equal  voice  in  whatever  relates  to  the  temporalities 
of  the  church,  to  the  calling  of  a  Minister,  or  the 
choice  of  their  own  successors;  in  all  which  they 
are  considered  as  the  general  and  joint  representa- 
tives of  the  people  :  but  in  admitting  members  to 
fidl  communion  ;  in  exercising  discipline  upon 
tjjose  who  have  erred  from  the  faith,  or  offended 


29 

in  morals;  and  in  clioosing  delegates  to  attend 
the  Classis,  the  Elders,  with  the  Ministers,  have 
alone  a  voice. 

Sec.  3.  No  Consistory  shall  be  constituted  in 
any  place  without  the  previous  advice  and  con- 
currence of  Classis. 

Sec.  4.  Elders  and  Deacons  shall  be  chosen 
annually,  and  the  result  of  such  election  shall  be 
published  in  the  church,  or  usual  place  of  worship 
of  the  congregation,  three  successive  Sabbaths 
previous  to  their  ordination,  to  the  end  that  all 
lawful  objections  to  such  ordination  may  be  of- 
fered to,  and  duly  considered  and  adjudicated  by 
the  Consistory.  A  majority  of  the  Consistory, 
regularly  convened,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business,  and  in  like  manner  a  ma. 
jority  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  and  also  a  majority 
of  Deacons  so  convened,  shall  be  a  quorum  re- 
spectively. It  shall  be  competent  for  the  Consis- 
tory, when  an  election  shall  have  been  omitted  at 
the  usual  time,  to  appoint  another  time  for  that 
purpose,  on  an  early  day,  giving  the  like  notice  as 
herein  above  prescribed,  and  in  like  manner  for 
filling  vacancies  which  may  occur. 

Sec.  5.  The  particular  spiritual  government  of  the 
congregation  is  committed  to  the  Ministers  and  El- 
ders.  It  is  therefore  their  duty  at  all  times  to  be  vigi- 
3* 


30 

lanl,  to  preserve  discipline,  and  to  promole  the  peace 
and  spiritual  interest  of  the  congregation.  Particu- 
larly before  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
a  faithful  and  solemn  inquiry  is  to  be  made,  by  the 
President,  whether  to  the  knowledge  of  those  pre- 
sent, any  member  in  full  communion  has  departed 
from  the  faith,  or  in  walk  or  conversation  has  be- 
haved unworthy  the  Christian  profession  ?  that 
such  as  are  guilty  may  be  properly  rebuked,  ad- 
monished, or  suspended  from  tiic  privilege  of  ap- 
proaching the  Lord's  Table,  and  all  offences  may 
be  removed  out  of  the  church  of  Christ. 

Sec.  6.  None  can  be  received  as  members  in 
full  communion,  unless  they  first  shall  have  made 
a  confession  of  their  faith  before  the  Minister,  if 
any,  and  the  Elders,  or  have  produced  a  certificate 
of  their  being  members  in  full  communion  of  some 
Reformed  Church  ;  all  such  shall  be  published  to 
the  congregation,  and  be  registered  as  regular 
members  in  the  church. 

Sec.  7.  In  every  congregation,  a  distinct  and 
fair  register  shall  be  preserved  by  the  Minister  of 
every  baptism  and  marriage  there  celebrated,  and 
of  all  who  are  received  as  members  in  full  commu- 
nion. It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  several  Consis- 
tories to  make  a  statistical  report  to  the  Classis  at 


their  meeting,  immediately  preceding  the  annual 
meetings  of  the  Particular  and  General  Synod, 
according  to  such  formula  as  General  Synod  shall 
prescribe,  and  accompany  the  same  with  such  re- 
marks on  the  spiritual  state  of  the  congregation  as 
they  may  deem  proper. 

Sec.  8.  Every  Consistory  shall  keep  regular 
minutes  of  their  meetings  and  proceedings,  and 
shall  lay  such  minutes,  so  far  as  the  same  relate 
to  ecclesiastical  proceedings,  at  least  once  a  year, 
before  the  Classis  with  which  they  arc  connected, 
for  their  information. 

Sec.  9.  It  shall  be  incumbent  upon  members 
of  the  church,  in  removing  from  the  bounds  of 
one  chujch  to  another,  to  obtain  a  certificate  of 
membership  and  dismission. 

Sec.  10.  Consistories  possess  the  right  of  call- 
ing Ministers  for  their  own  congregations,  except 
where  otherwise  provided  for  by  charter.  But  in 
exercising  this  right,  they  are  bound  to  use  their 
utmost  endeavours,  either  by  consulting  with  the 
great  Consistory,  or  with  the  congregation  at  large, 
to  know  what  person  would  be  most  acceptable  to 
the  people. 

Sec.  1 1.  a  neighbouring  minister  (if  there  be 
none  belonging  lo  the  Consistory)  must  be  invited 
to  superintend  the  proceedings,  whenever  a  Con- 


32 

sislory  is  desirous  of  making  a  call.  The  instru- 
ment is  to  be  signed  by  the  members  of  the  Con- 
sistory, or  by  the  President,  in  the  name  of  the 
Consistory  ;  and  if  the  church  be  incorporated,  it 
is  proper  to  affix  the  seal  of  the  corporation. 
When  the  call  is  completed,  it  must  be  laid  by  the 
Consistory  before  the  Classis,  and  be  approved 
by  the  same,  before  it  can  be  presented  to  the 
person  called  ;  and  if  the  call  be  accejjted,  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  the  approbation  of  the  peo- 
ple, the  name  of  such  Minister  shall  be  published 
in  the  church  three  Sabbaths  successively,  that 
opportunity  may  be  given  for  stating  lawful  objec- 
tions, if  any  there  be. 

Seo.  12.    For  the  purpose  of  uniforifiity,  the 
form  of  a  call  shall  be  as  follows  : — 

"To  N.N. 

"  Grace,  mercy,  and  'peace,from  God  our  Father, 

and  Jesus  Christ  our  TiORD. 

"  Whereas  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  at , 

is  at  present  destitute  of  the  stated  preaching  of 
the  word,  and  the  regular  administration  of  the 
ordinances,  and  is  desirous  of  obtaining  the  means 
of  grace,  which  God  hath  appointed  for  the  salva- 
tion of  sinners,  through  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  : 
Akd  whereas  the  said  Church  is  well  satisfied  of 


33 

the  piety,  gifts,  and  ministerial  qualifications  of 
you  N.  N.,  and  hath  good  hope  that  your  labours 
in  the  Gospel  will  be  attended  with  a  blessing : 
Therefore  we  [the  style  and  title  of  the  said  Church] 
have  resolved  to  call,  and  we  hereby  solemnly,  and 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  do  call  you  the  said  N.  N. 
to  be  our  pastor  and  teacher,  to  preach  the  word 
in  truth  and  faithfulness,  to  administer  the  holy 
sacraments  agreeably  to  the  institution  of  Christ, 
to  maintain  Christian  discipline,  to  edify  tlie  con- 
gregation, and  especially  the  youth,  by  catecheti- 
cal instructions  ;  and,  as  a  faithful  servant  of  Jesus 
Christ,  to  fulfil  the  whole  work  of  the  Gospel 
ministry,  agreeably  to  the  word  of  God,  and  the 
excellent* rules  and  constitution  of  our  Reformed 
Dutch  Church,  established  in  the  last  National 
Synod,  held  at  Dordrecht,  and  ratified  and  explained 
by  the  ecclesiastical  judicatory  under  which  we 
stand,  and  to  which  you,  upon  accepting  this  call, 
must  with  us  remain  subordinate. 

"  In  fulfilling  the  ordinary  duties  of  your  ministry, 
it  is  expressly  stipulated,  that  besides  preaching 
upon  such  texts  of  Scripture  as  you  may  judge 
proper  to  select  for  our  instruction,  you  also  ex- 
plain a  portion  of  the  Ileidclbergh  Catechism  on 
the  Lord's  days,  agreeably  to  the  established  order 
of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  ;  and  that  you  far- 


34 

ther  conform  in  rendering  all  that  public  service 
which  is  usual,  and  has  been  in  constant  practice 
in  our  congregation.  The  particular  service  which 
will  be  required  of  you  is,  [here  insert  a  detail  of 
such  particulars^  if  any  there  be,  which  the  situa- 
tion of  the  congregation  may  render  necessary ; 
especially  in  case  of  comhinations,  when  the  service 
required  in  the  respective  congregations  must  be 
ascertained ;  or  when  the  Dutch  and  English  lan- 
guages are  both  requisite,  the  proportion  of  each 
may  be  mentioned,  or  left  discretionary  as  may  be 
judged  proper .] 

*'  To  encourage  you  in  the  discharge  of  the  du- 
ties of  your  important  office,  we  promise  you  in 
the  name  of  this  Church  all  proper  attention,  love, 
and  obedience  in  the  Lord  ;  and  to  free  you  from 
worldly  cares  and  avocations  while  you  are  dis- 
pensing spiritual  blessings  to  us,  we  [the  Elders 
and  Deacons,  S^c.  the  style  and  title  of  the  Church^ 
do  promise  and  oblige  ourselves  to  pay  to  you  the 

sum  of ,  in payments,  yearly  and  every 

year  as  long  as  you  continue  the  Minister  of  this 
Church,  together  with  [such  particulars  as  may 
refer  to  a  parsonage  or  other  emolumcnts.'\  For 
the  performance  of  all  which,  we  hereby  bind  our- 
selves, and  our  successors,  firmly  by  these  presents. 
The  Lord  incline  your  heart  to  a  cheerful  accept- 


ance  of  this  call,  and  semi  you  to  us  in  the  fulness 
of  the  blessiii<T  of  the  Gospel  of  peace! 

"  Done  in  Consistory,  and  subscribed  with  our 

names,  this day  of ,  in  the  year ." 

Attested  by  N.  N.  Moderator  of  the  call. 

Sec.  13.  Since  it  is  deemed  of  the  highest  im- 
portance that  there  should  be  regular  instruction 
on  the  great  articles  of  the  Christian  faith,  in  order 
to  preserve  the  truth,  and  to  promote  the  prospe- 
rity of  the  church,  every  Minister  shall,  in  the 
ordinary  morning  or  afternoon  service  on  the 
Lord's  day,  explain  the  system  of  the  Christian 
doctrine  comprehended  in  the  Heidelbergh  Cate- 
chism adopted  by  the  reformed  churches,  so  that, 
if  practicable,  the  explanation  may  be  annually 
completed,  but  shall  never  bo  extended  beyond 
the  term  of  four  years.  The  several  Classes  shall, 
at  their  stated  meetings,  preceding  the  annual 
meeting  of  General  Synod,  make  strict  inquiry 
whether  the  preceding  part  of  this  section  has 
been  fully  complied  with  by  every  Minister,  and 
if  any  Minister  shall  be  found  deficient,  without 
sufficient  reason,  the  Classis  shall  inflict  such  cen- 
sure as  they  in  their  wisdom  may  judge  the  omis- 
sion to  merit ;  and  the  several  Classes  shall  make 
a  full  and  faithful  report  of  the  result  oi'  their 


36 

inquiries  and  doings  on  this  behalf  to  the  Particu- 
lar Synod. 

Sec.  14.  When  any  Minister  shall  be  duly  con- 
victed of  any  offence  which  implicates  the  purity 
of  his  clerical  character,  and  shall,  in  consequence 
of  such  conviction,  be  suspended  from  his  office, 
and  the  conviction  and  suspension  shall  be  sus- 
tained on  a  final  appeal,  his  pnstoral  connexion 
with  the  congregation  in  which  he  was  settled 
shall,  if  the  Consistory  so  elect,  be  isyo  facto  dis- 
solved. 

Sec.  15.  Consistories  which  have  hitherto  com- 
bined with  one  or  more  neighbouring  Consistories, 
in  making  calls  and  having  a  Minister  to  serve  in 
common,  may  not  at  pleasure  break  such  combi- 
nation ;  but  whenever  their  situation  and  circum- 
stances render  them  capable  of  severally  calling  a 
Minister,  a  representation  thereof  must  be  made 
to  the  Classis,  and  leave  be  first  requested  and 
obtained,  before  their  former  connexions  can  be 
dissolved. 

Sec.  1G.  When  matters  of  peculiar  importance 
occur,  particularly  in  calling  a  Minister,  building 
of  churches,  or  whatever  relates  immediately  to 
the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  whole  congregation, 
it  is  usual  (and  it  is  strongly  recommended  upon 
such  occasions  always)  for  the  Consistory  to  call 


37 

together  all  those  who  have  ever  served  as  Elders 
or  Deacons,  that  by  their  advice  and  counsel  they 
may  assist  the  members  of  the  Consistory.  These, 
when  assembled,  constitute  what  is  called  the 
great  Consistory.  From  the  object,  or  design  of 
their  assembling,  the  respective  powers  of  each 
are  easily  ascertained.  Those  who  are  out  of 
office  have  only  an  advisory  or  counselling  voice  ; 
and,  as  they  are  not  actual  members  of  the  board 
or  corporation,  cannot  have  a  decisive  vote.  After 
obtaining  the  advice,  it  rests  with  the  members  of 
the  Consistory  to  follow  the  counsel  given  them, 
or  not,  as  they  shall  judge  proper.  But,  unless 
very  urgent  reasons  should  appear  to  the  contrary, 
it  will  be  prudent  and  expedient  in  all  cases  to 
comply  with  the  advice  of  those,  who  from  their 
numbers  and  influence  in  the  congregation,  may 
be  supposed  to  spe^k  the  language  of  the  people, 
and  to  know  what  will  be  most  for  edification  and 
peace. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Of  the  Classis. 

Sec.  1.  A  Classis  consists  of  all  the  Ministers, 

and  an   Elder  delegated  from   each  Consistorv 

within  the  bounds  prescribed  by  Particular  Synod. 

Collegiate  Churches  shall  be  entitled  to  an  Elder 

4 


38 

for  each  ordinary  worshipping  assenihly.  To  con- 
stitute a  Classis,  at  least  three  Ministers  and  three 
Elders  are  re([uired. 

Sec.  2.  Classis  shall  have  the  power  of  approv- 
ing or  disapproving  calls  ;  ordaining,  suspending, 
and  deposing  Ministers,  or  dismissing  them  when 
called  elsewhere.  They  shall  have  the  power  of 
forming  new  congregations,  and  determining  the 
boundaries  of  congregations  when  such  bounda- 
ries are  contested  ;  of  continuing  combinations 
of  two  or  more  congregations,  the  dissolution 
and  change  of  the  same ;  and  a  general  supervising 
power  in  cases  of  appeal  over  the  acts  and  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Consistories  within  their  bounds, 
which  relate  to  the  spiritual  concerns  of  their 
particular  cliurches,  and  the  conduct  of  any  of  the 
officers  thereof. 

Sec.  3.  The  peculiar  prerogative  of  Classes, 
that  of  examining  students  of  theology  for  their 
becoming  candidates  for  the  ministry,  and  of  can- 
didates for  their  becoming  Ministers,  is  very  im- 
portant, and  must  always  be  attended  to  with  great 
prudence,  zeal,  and  fidelity.  Every  student  of 
theology,  when  he  shall  have  become  prepared  for 
examination  for  licensure,  shall  present  himself 
for  such  examination  to  the  Classis  w^ithin  whose 
bounds  he  resided  when  he  entered  upon  his 
preparatory  studies,    and   a  oajididatc  who  has 


39 

received  fi  call,  must  be  examined  by  the  Classis 
under  whose  jurisdiction  tlie  church  that  has  made 
the  call  is  placed. 

Sec.  4.  At  every  examination  of  a  student  or 
candidate  by  a  Classis,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  two 
of  the  Deputati  Synodi  to  be  present,  and  no 
examination  shall  in  any  case  proceed  without  the 
attendance  of  one  Deputatus  from  another  Classis, 
who  shall  see  that  the  examination  is  performed 
with  strictness,  propriety,  and  justice,  and  duly 
report  the  same  to  the  next  Particular  Synod. 
That  the  Deputati  may  obtain  proper  an^  timely 
notice,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  of  the 
Classis,  upon  application  being  made  to  him  for 
an  examination,  (which  application  shall  be  made 
at  least  four  weeks  before  the  contemplated  meet- 
ing of  Classis,)  to  send  immediate  information  to 
the  Deputati,  and  communicate  the  time  and  place 
when  and  where  the  same  is  to  be  held,  in  such 
manner  that  the  Deputati  shall  be  notified  at  least 
three  weeks  before  such  examination. 

Sec.  5.  Every  Classis  shall  keep  a  book,  in 
which  the  forms  of  subscriptions  for  candidates 
and  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  are  (liirly  written, 
which  those  who  are  examined  and  approved,  shall 
respectively  subscribe  in  the  presence  of  the  Clas- 
sis. It  shall  also  be  the  duty  of  every  Classis, 
annually  to  report  to  the  Synod  all  persons  who 


40 

have  been  examined  and  licensed,  as  well  as  those 
who  have  been  ordained ;  and  also,  all  removals 
of  Ministers  from  one  place  to  another,  or  by 
death,  which  may  have  happened  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  such  Classis,  since  the  last  session 
of  Synod. 

Sec.  6.  Whenever  the  examination  of  a  candi- 
date for  the  ministry,  the  approbation  of  a  call,  or 
any  other  special  business  shall  render  an  extra- 
ordinary meeting  of  the  Classis  necessary,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  President  of  the  Classis,  upon 
application  being  made  to  him  for  that  purpose,  to 
call  by  circular  letters  the  members  together. 
And,  whenever  two  Ministers  and  two  Eiders  be- 
longing to  the  Classis  shall,  upon  any  occasion^ 
request  in  writing,  undeir  their  hands,  an  extraor- 
dinary meeting,  the  President  of  the  Classis  may 
not  refuse  calling  the  same  ;  provided  that  the  ex- 
penses attending  all  extraordinary  meetings  of  the 
Classis  shall  be  always  supported  by  the  person  or 
congregation  at  whose  request,  or  for  whose  be- 
nefit, such  session  is  held. 

Sec.  7.  The  meetings  of  the  Classis  shall  be 
semi-annual,  at  such  times  as  they  may  respect- 
ively determine  ;  and  at  every  ordinary  session,  a 
sermon  shall  be  preached. 

Sec.  8.  The  Classis  shall  at  their  meeting  next 
preceding  that  of  the  Particular  Synod,  appoint 


41 

delegates  to  attend  the  said  Synod,  and  nominate 
delegates  lo  the  General  Synod  ;  and,  at  the  same 
meeting,  shall  put  to  the  Ministers  and  Elders  re- 
spectively the  following  inquiries,  and  enter  in  de- 
tail the  several  answers  given  by  each  Minister 
and  Elder,  on  the  minutes,  for  the  information  of 
the  higher  judicatories : — 

1st.  Are  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  preached 
in  your  congregation  in  their  purity  agreeably  to 
the  word  of  God,  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  the 
Catechisms  of  our  church  ? 

2d.  Is  the  Heidelbergh  Catechism  regularly  ex- 
plained, agreeably  to  the  constitution  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church? 

3d.  Are  the  catechising  of  the  children  and  the 
instruction  of  the  youth  faithfully  attended  to  ? 

4th.  Is  family  visitation  faithfully  performed  ? 

5th.  Is  the  5th  Sec.  2d  Art.  2d  Chap,  in  the 
constitution  of  our  church  carefully  obeyed  ? 

Cth.  Is  the  temporal  contract  between  Ministers 
and  people  fulfilled  in  your  congregation  ? 

Sec.  9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  several  Classes 
to  require  from  the  respective  Consistories  a  sta- 
ti9ti(?al  table  filled  up  according  to  such  formula 
as  General  Synod  shall  prescribe,  accompanied 
with  such  remarks  on  the  spiritual  state  of  the 
congregation  as  they  may  deem  proper. 
4» 


42 

Sec.  10.  For  the  regular  obtaining  of  dismis- 
sions of  Ministers,  it  is  required  that  a  neighbour- 
ing Minister  of  the  same  Classis  to  which  the 
congregation  belongs,  be  invited  to  be  present, 
and  superintend  the  dismission  of  the  Minister 
from  his  congregation,  countersign  the  instrument 
of  dismission,  and  consider  it  as  his  duty  to  deli- 
ver the  same,  with  a  report  upon  the  subject,  to 
the  Classis  ;  which  report  and  document  shall 
serve  as  a  basis  upon  which  the  final  dismission 
and  certificate  of  the  Classis  shall  be  founded. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Of  the  Particular  Synod. 

Sec.  1.  Every  Particular  Synod  shall  compre- 
hend a  certain  number  of  Classes,  to  be  designated 
by  the  General  Synod,  and  shall  consist  of  a  dele- 
gation of  two  Ministers  and  two  Elders,  from  every 
Classis  within  its  bounds,  and  seven  Ministers  and 
seven  Elders,  when  regularly  convened,  shall  con- 
stitute a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Sec.  2.  To  the  Particular  Synod  belongs  exclu- 
sively the  power  to  form  new  Classes,  to  transfer  a 
congregation  from  one  Classis  to  another  ;  to  exer- 
cise a  general  supervising  power  in  case  of  appeal 
over  the  acts  and  proceedings  of  the  Classes  within 
its  bounds,  and  have  cognizance  of  such  matters 


43 

as  appertain  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  all  the 
churches  within  its  jwisdiction. 

Sec.  3.  Every  Synod  shall  be  at  liberty  to  soli- 
cit and  hold  correspondence  with  its  neighbouring 
Synod,  or  Synods,  in  such  manner  as  shall  be 
judged  most  conducive  to  general  edification. 

Sec.  4.  Every  Synod  shall  appoint  a  Deputatus 
primarius  and  secundus,  from  each  Classis  within 
its  bounds,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  superintend 
the  examination  of  students  in  theology,  and  can- 
didates for  the  ministry,  to  add  a  solemnity  to  the 
important  work,  and  see  that  no  undue  liberty, 
superficial  proceedings,  or  unnecessary  rigour, 
be  practised.  And  it  shall  also  be  their  duty,  as 
Commissioners  of  Synod,  to  advise,  exhort,  and 
endeavour  to  persuade  the  Classis  in  all  that  re- 
spects the  strict  fulfilment  of  the  important  duty 
of  examinations ;  but  they  are  not  invested  with 
any  authority  to  arrest  the  proceedings  of  any 
Classis  who  may  act  contrary  to  their  advice  ;  nei- 
ther may  they  vote  upon  any  question  respecting 
any  candidate  that  may  be  examined ;  but  they 
are  to  keep  regular  minutes  of  the  proceedings  at 
their  different  examinations  where  they  are  pre- 
sent, and  impartially  report  to  the  Synod  whatever 
they  may  judge  improper  or  wrong. 

Sec.  5.  A  copy  of  the  minutes  of  every  session 
of  the  several  Classes  held  since  the  last  session  of 


44 

Synod,  shall,  at  the  opening  of  the  Synod,  he  pro- 
duced and  laid  on  tlie  table  for  the  inspection  of 
the  members  :  the  Particular  Synod,  from  the  seve- 
ral reports  of  the  Classes  on  the  state  of  religion, 
shall  prepare  a  Synodical  report,  to  be  presented 
to  the  General  Synod,  accompanied  with  the  sta- 
tistical tables  of  said  Classes. 

Sec.  6.  The  Particular  Synod  shall  meet  annu- 
ally, at  such  time  and  place  as  they  may  determine, 
and  special  meetings  may  be  held  for  the  transac- 
tion of  any  extraordinary  business,  upon  the  writ- 
ten request  of  four  Ministers  to  the  President  of 
the  Synod  ;  and  in  such  case  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  such  President  to  give  notice  to  the  members  of 
Synod  of  such  meeting  three  weeks  previous  thereto, 
stating  the  particular  object  for  which  the  Synod 
is  to  be  convened. 

ARTICLE  V. 

The  General  Synod. 
Sec.  1.  The  General  Synod  shall  consist  of  three 
Ministers  and  three  Elders  from  each  of  the  Classes, 
to  be  nominated  by  the  Classes  to  the  Particular 
Synod  to  which  they  belong,  who  shall  have  power 
to  appoint  the  persons  so  nominated  delegates  to 
the  General  Synod  ;  but,  for  good  cause,  may  ap- 
point other  persons  than  those  so  nominated  ;  or, 
in  case  no  nomination  is  made,  may  appoint  the 


45 

delegates  for  the  Classis  or  Classes  who  sliall  have 
omitted  to  nominate. 

Sec.  2.  The  General  Synod  shall  meet  annu- 
ally, at  such  time  and  place  as  they  may  determine, 
and  twelve  Ministers  and  twelve  Elders,  when 
regularly  convened,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

Sec.  3.  The  General  Synod  shall  have  original 
cognizance  of  all  matters  relating  to  the  Theolo- 
gical School,  the  appointment  of  Professors,  and 
their  course  of  instruction,  the  appointment  of  Su- 
perintendents of  the  said  school,  and  the  regulations 
thereof;  and  shall  possess  the  power  of  regulating 
and  maintaining  a  friendly  correspondence  with 
the  highest  Judicatories  or  Assemblies  of  other 
religious  denominations,  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
moting union  and  concert  in  general  measures 
which  may  be  calculated  to  maintain  sound  doc- 
trine, prevent  conflicting  regulations  relative  to 
persons  under  church  censure  by  the  judicatories 
of  either  denomination,  and  to  produce  concert 
and  harmony  in  their  respective  proceedings  to 
promote  the  cause  of  religion  and  piety. 

To  the  General  Synod  belongs  the  power  to 
constitute  Particular  Synods,  and  to  make  any 
changes  in  the  same,  to  exercise  a  general  super- 
intendence over  the  spiritual  interests  and  con- 
cerns of  the  whole  church,  and  an  appellate  super- 


46 

vising  power  over  tlie  acts,  proceedings,  and  deci- 
sions of  the  lower  assemblies,  relating  to  Clirisiian 
discipline  or  tlie  interests  of  religion,  and  the  ge- 
neral welfare  and  government  of  the  church. 

Sec.  4.  If  circumstances  should  require  a  meet- 
ing of  the  General  Synod  previous  to  the  next 
ordinary  meeting,  the  president  shall,  on  a  joint 
application  of  six  or  more  Ministers  requesting  the 
same,  call  an  extraordinary  meeting  at  the  place 
where  the  next  ordinary  meeting  is  appointed  to 
be  held,  notice  of  which  meeting  shall  be  given  to 
the  members  of  Synod  at  least  three  weeks  pre- 
vious to  the  time  of  such  meeting,  stating  the  par- 
ticular business  for  which  it  is  called,  not  however 
excluding  the  transaction  of  such  otlier  business 
as  the  Synod  may  deem  proper. 


CHAPTER   III. 

Of  Customs  and  Usajjes. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Sec.  1.  The  sacrament  of  baptism  shall  always 
be  administered  in  the  church,  or  some  other  place 
of  public  worship,  at  the  time  of  public  worship, 
and  the  form  adopted  for  baptism  hitherto  in  use, 
shall  in  every  case  bo  retained.  In  cases,  how- 
ever, of  the  sickness  of  the  i)arents,  and  especially 


47 

of  the  infant,  it  is  kiwful  to  administer  this  sacra- 
ment in  private.  But  no  private  baptism  shall 
be  administered  without  the  presence  of  at  least 
one  Elder,  who  shall  accompany  the  Minister  for 
that  purpose,  and  the  same  form  and  solemnity 
shall  be  always  used  as  in  public  baptism. 

Sec.  2.  Every  church  shall  observe  such  a  mode 
in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's  supper  as  shall 
be  judged  most  conducive  to  edification,  provided 
however,  after  the  sermon  and  usual  public  prayers 
are  ended,  the  form  for  the  administration  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  shall  be  read,  and  a  prayer  suited 
to  the  occasion  shall  be  offered,  before  the  mem- 
bers participate  of  the  ordinance. 

Sec.  3.  The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper 
shall  be  administered  at  least  twice  a  year,  and  it 
is  recommended  that  the  same  be  administered 
once  every  three  months. 

Sec.  4.  For  the  purpose  of  uniformity  in  Iho 
order  of  worship,  the  following  is  to  be  observed 
by  all  the  churches  : — 

1st.  After  a  space  for  private  devotion,  the 
Minister  shall  introduce  the  public  worsiiip  in  the 
morning  by  invoking  the  Divine  presence  and 
blessing. 

2d.  Salutation. 

3d.  Reading  the  ten  connnandmcnts,  or  some 
jiJior  portion  of  Scripture,  or  both. 


48 

4th.  Singing. 

5th.  Prayer. 

6th.  Singing. 

7th.  Sermon. 

8th.  Prayer. 

9th.  Collection  of  Ahiis. 

10th.  Singing. 

11th.  Pronouncing  the  Apostolic  Benediction. 

The  order  of  the  afternoon  and  evening  services 
shall  be  the  same  as  the  morning,  excepting  the 
reading  of  the  ten  commandments.  The  last  ser- 
vice on  the  Lord's  day  shall  conclude  with  the 
Christian  Doxology. 

Sec.  5.  No  Psalms  or  Hymns  may  be  publicly 
sung  in  the  Reformed  Dutch  Churches,  but  such 
as  are  approved  and  recommended  by  the  General 
Synod. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Of  Discipline. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Of  Discipline  in  General. 

Sec.  1.  Discipline  is  the  exercise  of  the  authority 
and  the  application  of  the  system  of  laws,  which 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  appointed  in  his  church. 


49 

lis  objects  are  the  removal  of  offences  ;  the  vin- 
dication of  the  honour  of  Christ ;  the  promotion 
of  purity  and  general  edification  of  the  church  ; 
and  also  the  benefit  of  the  otfender. 

Sec.  2.  All  Christian  discipline  is  spiritual, 
and  nothing  shall  be  admitted  as  matter  of  accu- 
sation, or  considered  an  offence,  which  cannot  be 
proved  to  be  such  from  Scripture,  or  the  regula- 
tions of  the  church  founded  on  Scripture. 

Sec.  S.  All  baptized  persons  are  members  of 
the  church,  are  under  its  care,  and  subject  to  its 
government  and  discipline. 

ARTICLE  II. 

Of  Private  Offences. 

Sec,  1 .  Private  offences  are  those  that  are  known 
to  an  individual  only,  or  at  most  to  a  very  few. 

Sec.  2.  Such  offences  are  not  to  be  immediately 
presented  before  a  church  judicatory,  but  the  of- 
fender shall  be  dealt  with  according  to  the  mode 
pointed  out  by  our  Lord,  in  Matt,  xviii.  The 
same  course  shall  be  adopted  in  cases  of  personal 
or  private  injuries ;  but  if,  on  due  forbearance, 
these  tender  and  Christian  proceedings  are  una- 
vailing, the  whole  matter  shall  be  represented  to 
the  judicatory  to  which  the  offender  is  amenable. 


50 

Sec.  3.  liilbrniers  who  liavc  not  taken  these 
previous  stcptj,  shall  be  coijyidcred  us  guilty  of  an 
oflenco  against  the  peace  and  order  of  the  church, 
and  be  censured  accordingly. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Public  Offences. 

Sec.  1.  Public  offences  are  those  that  require 
the  cognizance  of  a  church  judicatory,  as  when 
they  are  so  notorious  and  scandalous,  that  no  pri- 
vate measures  would  obviate  their  injurious  effects, 
or  when,  though  originally  known  to  one,  or  a  feWf 
the  private  measures  taken  have  been  ineffectual. 

Sec.  2.  When  any  person  is  charged  with  a 
crime,  not  by  an  individual,  but  by  general  rumour, 
the  previous  steps  prescribed  by  our  Lord  in  case 
of  private  offences  are  not  necessary,  but  the  pro- 
per judicatory  is  bound  to  take  immediate  cogni- 
zance of  the  matter. 

Skc.  3.  To  constitute  a  general  rumour,  or 
fama  clamosa,  it  is  necessary — 

1st.  That  it  specify  some  particular  sin  or  sins. 

2d.  Tliat  it  should  have  obtained  general  circu- 
lation. 

3d.  That  it  be  not  transient. 

4tli.  That  it  be  accompanied  with  strong  public 
presumption  of  its  truth. 


51 

Sec.  4.  In  admitting  accusations  against  a  Mi- 
nister or  Elder,  the  rule  prescribed  in  1  Tim.  v.  19, 
shall  always  be  observed,  and  accusers  must  come 
forward  openly  to  support  the  charge. 

Sec.  5.  If  Ministers  of  the  word  have  committed 
any  public  gross  sin,  which  would  render  their 
appearance  in  the  pulpit  under  such  circumstances 
highly  offensive,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Con- 
sistory, in  order  to  prevent  scandal,  to  shut  the 
door  against  such  criminal,  and  refer  him  to  be 
tried  by  the  Classis  as  soon  as  possible.  The 
proceedings  of  the  Consistory  in  such  cases  are  at 
their  peril,  and  are  not  to  be  considered  as  a  trial, 
but  only  a  prudent  interference  and  binding  over 
the  person  accused,  to  the  judgment  of  his  peers. 
In  case  of  like  offences  by  the  Elders  and  Deacons, 
they  shall,  upon  trial  and  conviction,  immediately 
be  removed  from  their  office  by  the  Corigistory. 

Sec.  6.  The  following  are  to  be  considered  as 
the  principal  offences  that  deserve  the  punishment 
of  suspension,  or  removal  from  office,  viz.  False 
Doctrine  or  Heresy,  Public  Schisms,  open  Blas- 
phemy, Simony,  faithless  Desertion  of  Office,  or 
intruding  upon  that  of  another,  Perjury,  Adultery, 
Fornication,  Theft,  Acts  of  Violence,  Brawlings, 
Drunkenness,  and  scandalous  Traffic ;  in  short, 
all  such  sins  and  gross  oilences  as  i^ender  the  per- 


52 

prlralors  infamous  before  the  world  ;  and  wliicli 
in  a  private  member  of  the  church  would  be  con- 
sidered as  deserving  excommunication. 

Sec.  7.  If  any  member  of  the  church  shall  be 
duly  convicted  of  an  infamous  crime  by  any  civil 
court,  he  shall,  ipso  facto,  be  debarred  from  the 
exercise  of  the  peculiar  functions  of  any  ecclesias- 
tical office  with  which  he  may  be  invested,  and 
excluded  from  the  privileges  of  the  church,  until 
he  shall  have  established  his  innocence,  or  mani- 
fested by  repentance  to  the  ecclesiastical  judica- 
tory to  which  he  is  amenable. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Of  Process  and  Trial. 

Sec.  1.  Offences  may  be  brought  before  a  judi- 
catory by  individual  accusation  or  common  fame. 
In  the  former  case,  the  process  must  be  in  the 
name  of  the  accuser  or  accusers.  In  the  latter, 
no  person  need  be  named  as  the  accuser. 

Sec.  2.  In  exhibiting  charges,  the  times,  place, 
and  circumstances  shall  be  accurately  stated  in 
writing,  that  ihe  accused  may  be  enabled  the  bet- 
ter to  defend  himself. 

Sec  3.  Great  caution  is  to  be  exercised  in 
receivinof  accusations  where  there  is  ffood  reason 


53 

to  believe  tliat  they  are  preferred  through  passion 
or  improper  and  unchristian  motive ;  or  wiiere 
tlie  accuser  is  under  censure,  or  not  of  good  cha- 
racter, or  has  the  prospect  of  temporal  advantage. 

Sec.  4.  All  citations  shall  be  issued  and  signed 
by  the  President  or  Clerk,  who  shall  also  furnish 
citations  for  sucli  witnesses  as  may  be  required  on 
either  side. 

Sec.  5.  A  copy  of  the  accusation  shall  be  fur- 
nished to  the  accused,  at  the  time  when  the  cita- 
tion is  served  ;  which  citation  shall  designate  the 
time  when,  and  place  where,  the  accused  shall  put 
in  his  answer.  Not  less  than  ten  days  shall  be 
allowed  to  intervene  between  the  time  appointed 
for  receiving  the  answer  of  the  accused  and  the 
trial  of  the  case,  unless  by  consent  of  all  parties 
interested. 

Sec.  6.  When  the  accused  refuses  to  obey  the 
citation,  he  shall  be  cited  a  second  time,  which 
second  citation  shall  always  be  accompanied  by  a 
notice,  that  if  he  still  refuse  to  appear,  at  the  time 
and  place  appointed,  he  shall  not  only  be  liable  to 
censure  for  contumacy,  but  that  the  judicatory  will 
proceed  to  the  trial  and  decision  of  his  case  as  if 
he  were  present. 

Sec.  7.  The  trial  shall  be  impartial.  The  wit- 
nesses, after  being  sworn,  or  solemnly  affirmed, 
5* 


54 

shall  be  examined  in  the  presence  of  the  accused, 
and  he  shall  be  permitted  to  cross-examine  them. 

Sec.  8.  To  establish  an  accusation  against  any 
member  of  the  church,  the  testimony  of  more  than 
one  witness  is  required.  The  evidence  shall  be 
faithfully  minuted,  and  with  the  sentence,  or  deci- 
sion, be  entered  on  the  records,  and  the  parties 
shall  be  allowed  copies  of  the  same  at  their  own 
expense,  if  desired. 

Sec.  9.  No  complaints  in  cases  of  scandal  shall 
be  admitted,  unless  brought  forward  within  the 
space  of  one  year  and  four  months  after  the  crime 
shall  be  alleged  to  have  been  committed  ;  except- 
ing when  it  shall  appear  that  unavoidable  impedi- 
ments prevented  the  bringing  an  accusation  sooner. 

Sec,  10.  No  professional  counsel  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  appear  and  plead  in  cases  of  process  in 
any  of  the  ecclesiastical  courts.  But  if  any  ac- 
cused person  feel  unable  to  represent  and  plead 
his  own  cause  to  advantage,  he  may  request,  or 
the  President  may  appoint  any  Minister  or  Elder, 
belonging  to  the  judicatory  before  which  he.  ap- 
pears, to  prepare  and  conduct  his  cause  as  he  may 
judge  proper.  But  the  Minister  or  Elder  so  en- 
gaged, shall  not  be  allowed,  after  pleading  the 
cause  of  the  accused,  to  sit  in  judgment  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  judicatory. 


,t 


Sr.r.  1  I.  Siicli  as  obstinately  reject  tlie  admo- 
nitions of  the  Consistory,  or  have  been  found  gnilty 
of  the  commission  of  a  public  or  otherwise  gross 
offence,  shall  be  suspended  from  the  Lord's  sup- 
per, which  act  of  suspension  may  be  published  at 
the  discretion  of  the  Consistory  ;  and  being  sus- 
pended and  repeatedly  achnonished  without  disco- 
vering marks  of  repentance,  the  church  shall  then 
proceed  to  the  last  remedy,  namely.  Excommunica- 
tion, agreeably  to  the  adopted  form,  and  conform- 
ably to  the  word  of  God.  But  no  person  shall 
be  excommunicated  without  the  previous  advice 
of  the  Classis. 

Sec.  12.  Before  the  church  proceeds  to  excom- 
nmnicatioTij  the  obstinacy  of  the  offender  shall  be 
publicly  notified  to  the  congregation,  declaring  his 
offences,  together  with  the  particular  care  and 
attention  bestowed  on  him,  by  admonition,  suspen- 
sion from  the  Lord's  table,  and  by  repeated  remon- 
strances. The  congregation  shall  also  be  exhorted 
farther  to  admonish  the  delinquent,  and  to  pray 
for  him.  This  procedure  shall  be  comprised  in 
tliree  several  steps.  In  the  Jlrst  instance,  the 
name  of  the  offender  shall  not  be  mentioned,  that 
he  may  in  some  measure  be  spared.  In  the  second, 
with  tho  advice  of  Classis,  his  name  shall  be  ex- 
pressed.    In  the  third,  the  congregation  shall  be 


56 

informed,  that  unless  he  repenteth,  he  will  be  ex- 
cluded from  the  communion  of  the  church  ;  so 
that  if  he  remain  obstinate,  his  excommunication 
may  take  place  with  their  tacit  approbation.  The 
interval  between  these  notifications  shall  be  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Consistory. 

Sec.  13.  When  an  excommunicated  person 
becomes  penitent^  and  is  desirous  of  being  again 
reconciled  to  the  church,  such  desire  shall  be  pub- 
licly declared  to  the  congregation,  either  before 
the  administration  of  the  Lord's  supper,  or  at  some 
other  seasonable  opportunity  ;  that  if  no  objections 
are  offered,  he  may,  on  declaring  his  repentance, 
be  publicly  readmitted  to  a  participation  of  the 
Lord's  supper,  agreeably  to  the  form  appointed 
for  that  purpose. 

Sec.  14.  The  General  Synod  shall  have  power 
to  make  all  such  rules  and  regulations  as  may  be 
necessary  for  carrying  the  foregoing  articles  into 
execution,  except  where  provision  H  thereby  made 
for  that  purpose. 

Sec.  15.  No  alteration  shall  ever  be  made  to 
the  foregoing  articles,  but  by  previous  recommen- 
dation from  the  General  Synod  to  the  respective 
Classes,  and  the  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  same 
to  such  proposed  alteration,  together  with  the  final 
determination  and  resolution  of  the  General  Sy- 
nod for  the  time  being. 


APPEIVBIX, 


No.  I. 


Form  of  a  Professoral  Appointment. 
To  the  Rev. 

The  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  in  North  America,  reposing  confidence  in 
your  piety,  learning,  and  talents,  have  elected  you 
a  Professor  in  their  Theological  College  at  New- 
Brunswick.  The  branches  in  which  you  are  to 
instruct  the  youth  committed  to  your  charge  are, 

with  such  modifications  as  the  Synod  may  here- 
after direct. 

To  free  you  from  worldly  cares  and  avocations, 
while  discharging  the  duties  of  your  office,  we 
promise  and  oblige  ourselves  to  pay  to  you  the 
sum  of  in  payments, 

yearly  and  every  year,  so  long  as  you  continue 
Professor  in  our  Seminary  as  aforesaid.  For  the 
assumption  of  the  powers,  and  the  execution  of 
tiie  duties  of  your  office  in  the  Theological  De- 
partment of  the  College,  this  is  your  Commission, 


58 

and  may  the  Head  of  the  Church  render  your 
labours  useful  and  pleasant. 

Signed  by  order  of  Synod, 

President. 
Done  in  Gtneral  Synods 
this  day  of 


No.  II. 

Form  of  License. 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern,  In  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  Head  of  the  Church, 
we  send  greeting : 

Be  it  known,  that  having 

presented  to  the  Classis  of  testimonials 

of  his  literary  and  theological  acquirements  from 
the  Professors  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at 
New-Brunswick,  was  admitted  to  an  examination 
in  the  Hebrew  and  Greek  languages,  and  the  dif- 
ferent branches  of  Theology,  as  prescribed  in  the 
Constitution  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in 
America,  and  that  the  Classis  being  well  satisfied 
of  his  gifts,  piety,  and  qualifications  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  did,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  King  and  Head  of  the  Church,  resolve  that 


59 

the  said  be,  and  hereby  is  allowed 

and  autliorizcd  as  a  candidate  for  the  sacred  mi- 
nistry within  their  bounds,  and  wherever  the  Pro- 
vidence of  God  may  call  him  to  preach  the  Gospel 
of  our  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.  And  the  said 
Classis  recommend  him  to  the  esteem  and  atten- 
tion of  all  those  to  whom  these  presents  may  come, 
as  well  qualified  to  preach  a  crucified  Saviour. 

The  Classis  do  fervently  pray,  that  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church  may  farther  qualify  him  for 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  make  liim  ennneutly 
useful  in  that  part  of  his  vineyard  where  he  may 
be  called. 

Done  in  Classis,  in  the  on  this 

day  of  ,18 


President. 


Clerk. 


No.  m. 


Form  of  Testimonials  of  Ordination. 

In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church,  to  all  whom  it  may  con- 
cern, we  send  greeting  : 

Be  it  known,  that  was  admitted 

by  the  Classis  of  to  an  examination 


GO 

on  the  different  branches  ot  Theology,  as  prescribed 
in  the  constitution  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church 
in  America,  preparatory  to  ordination,  and  the 
Classis  being  well  satisfied  with  his  gifts,  piety, 
and  qualifications  to  preach  the  Gospel  and  admi- 
nister the  sacraments,  did,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  the  King  and  Head  of  the  Church, 
resolve  that  the  said  be  ordained  to  the 

Gospel  ministry,  and  in  conformity  to  said  resolu- 
tion did,  on  the  day  of  set  him  apart 
solemnly  to  the  work  of  the  sacred  ministry  accord- 
ing to  the  rites  and  forms  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church,  and  receive  him  into  ministerial  commu- 
nion. And  the  said  Classis  do  recommend  him  to 
the  esteem  and  attention  of  all  those  to  whom  these 
presents  shall  come,  as  qualified  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel and  to  administer  the  sacraments  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

The  Classis  do  fervently  pray  that  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church  may  abundantly  qualify  him 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  make  him  emi- 
nently useful  in  that  part  of  the  vineyard  where 
he  may  be  called  to  labour. 

Done  in  Classis  at  on  this 

day  of  18 

President. 
Clerk. 


61 


No.  IV. 

Forvi  of  a  Certificate  of  the  Dif mission  of  a  Mi- 
nister from  his  Congregation. 

This  certifies,  that  the  undersigned,  by  request, 
was  present  at  a  meeting  of  the  Consistory  of  the 
Church  of  on  the  day 

of  A.  D.  and  superintended  the 

proceedings  thereof,  when  it  was  resolved  that  an 
apphcation  be  made  to  the  Classis  of  for 

a  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  connexion  between 
the  Rev.  and  said  Church  ;  and 

that  the  Rev.  declared  his  con- 

currence in  such  application. 


No.  V 


Form    of  Certificate  of  Dismission    of  Church 
Members, 

This  certifies,  tliat  is  a  member  in 

full  communion  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church 
of  in  good  and  regular  standing  ;  as 

such     is,  at      own  request  dismissed,  lor  the  pur- 
pose of  connecting  with  the  Church 
6 


62 

of  to  whose  Christian  fellowship  and  confi- 

dence    is  hereby  affectionately  commended ;  and 
when  received  by  them,      pecuhar  relation  to  this 
Church  shall  cease. 
By  order  of  Consistory, 

President. 
Given  at 

18 

^  This  Certificate  is  valid  only  for  one  year  from  its 
date,  except  where  there  has  been  no  opportunity  of  pre- 
senting it. 


No.  VI. 
Form  of  the  Register  of  Baptisms. 


■' 

"Z 

ft 

1 

1 

s 

JVames  of  the 
Baptized. 

! 

s:  CD 

i 

f 

Time  of 
Birth. 

her  family  or 

1 

to 

64 


No.  VII. 

Form  of  Consistorial  Report. 


r— 

Number  of  Families. 

Census. 

1     ,_. 

Total  of  the  Congregation. 

Members  in  communion 
per  last  report. 

1 

a* 

5" 

1 

On  Confession. 

1 

1 

On  Certificate. 

j              Dismissed. 

1              Suspended. 

1       1              Died. 

— 

Total  now  in  Communion 

'   Adults. 

Baptisms. 

Infants. 

Number  of  Catechumens. 

1? 

Number  in  Biblical 
Instruction. 

Number  of  Schools. 

1 

Total  JN umber  ot 
Scholars. 

— 

Aveirage  Attendance. 

Remarks.  1 

1! 

65 

No.  VIII. 

Form  of  Certificate  of  Marriage. 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern. — This  certifies, 
that  the  Bonds  of  Marriage  between 
and  were  by  me  confirmed,  according 

to  the  usages  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in 
North  America,  on  the  day  of 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
hundred  and 

Given  at  this  day  of 

A.  D.  18 


Mtnitter  of  the  Ref. 
Dutch  Cliurch  in 


6* 


66 

No.  IX. 

Form  of  a  Classical  Report. 


CHURCHES 

Number  ofFami. 
lies. 

1 

8 

Total  of  tlie  Con 
gresration. 

In  Communion  per 

last  Report. 
On  Coniession.    i  ?0 

o 

s 

1      On  Certificate.     |  p 

1             Dismissed. 

1            Suspended. 

1           Died. 

1  Total  in  Communion. 

1              Infants, 

03 

t 
i| 

;               AdultB. 

Number  of  Gate 
chumens. 

Number  in  Biblical 
Instruction. 

Number  of 
Schools. 

ft- 

1, 
*> 

Total  number  of 
Scholars. 

Average  number  of 
Scliolars. 

Il 

u 

e.7 

No.  X. 

Form  oftlie  Citation  of  a  Person  accused. 

By  order  of  the  *  you,  Mr.  A.  B. 

t  are  hereby  summoned  \  to  appear 

before  said  and  answer  to  the  charge 

herewith  presented  at  on  the  day 

of  at  o'clock, 

Signed,  Pres. 

Clerk. 

Done  in  at  this 

day  of  18 

*  Consistory  of  the  Reformed  Dntch  Church  at 
or,  the  Classis  of 

t  Member  of,  or  Elder,  or  Deacon  in  said  Congregation  ; 
or  Minister  at  under  the  inspection  of  said  Classis. 

X  If  the  process  be  raised  at  the  instance  of  a  party 
complaining,  add,  after  "  summoned,"  at  the  instance  of 
CD. 


G8 
No.  XI. 

Fwm  of  the  Citation  of  Witnesses* 

By  order  of  the  ♦  you,  Mr.  A.  B. 

t  are  hereby  summoned  }  to  appear 

before  the  said  at  on  the 

day  of  and  at  o'clock 

in  the  to  give  your  testimony  in  the  case 

of  C.  D.  presently  under  process  for  censure  by 
said 

Signed,  Pres. 

Clerk. 

*  Consistory  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  at 
or,  the  Classis  of 

t  Member  of,  or  Elder,  or  Deacon  in  said  congregation ; 
or  Minister  at  under  the  inppeclion  of  said  Classis, 

and  if  the  witness  belongs  to  a  different  judicatory,  the  blank 
is  to  be  filled  up  accordingly. 

X  If  the  process  be  raised  at  the  instance  of  a  party  com- 
plaining, add,  after  the  word  "  summoned,"  at  the  instance 
of  CD. 


IIULES 

For  the  Government  of  General  Synod  in  their 
Proceedings. 

1st.  At  every  stated  meeting  of  the  Synod,  a 
sermon  shall  be  preached  by  the  last  President, 
either  before  his  opening  tiie  session  with  prayer,  or 
at  some  time  afterward,  which  the  Synod  shall 
deem  most  convenient.  If  the  last  President  and 
the  Adsessor  be  absent,  the  oldest  minister  pre- 
sent shall  take  his  place,  and  perform  the  above 
duties. 

2d.  The  President  and  an  Adsessor  shall  be 
elected  by  ballot.  Two  Clerks  shall  be  elected 
by  the  same  ballot,  and  in  the  same  manner. 

3d.  The  duties  of  the  President  shall  be  to  take 
the  chair  at  the  hour  to  which  the  Synod  stands 
adjourned  ;  to  open  and  conclude  with  prayer  ;  to 
direct  the  Clerk,  immediately  after  a  quorum  has 
appeared,  and  prayer  been  performed,  to  call  the 
roll ;  to  censure  absentees,  when  their  absence 
shall  be  judged  not  to  have  been  necessary  ;  to 
propound  the  subjects  for  deliberation  ;  to  confine 
speakers  to  the  point,  and  to  save  them  from  un- 
necessary interruption  ;  to  state  and  put  the  ques- 


70 

tion,  when  the  members  arc  prepared  to  vote ; 
to  prevent  members  from  leaving  the  Synod  with- 
out permission  ;  to  decide  questions  of  order,  sub- 
ject, however,  to  an  appeal  to  the  House  by  any 
two  members  ;  to  give  the  casting  vote  in  all  equal 
divisions ;  and  in  general  to  maintain  that  order 
and  dignity  becoming  the  Judicatory  of  the  Church 
of  Christ. 

4th.  After  calling  the  roll,  the  minutes  of  the 
last  sitting  shall  be  read,  and  considered  as  open 
to  correction.  The  business  on  the  minutes  of 
the  last  meeting  or  sitting,  shall,  without  powerful 
reasons,  be  taken  up  and  concluded  first  in  the 
order  in  which  it  stands,  before  any  new  business 
be  introduced. 

5th.  A  motion  made  must  be  seconded,  and 
afterward  repeated  or  read  aloud  from  the  chair, 
before  it  is  debated  ;  and  every  motion,  except  a 
motion  for  adjournment,  shall  be  reduced  to  wri- 
ting, if  any  member  require  it. 

6th.  An  amendment  may  be  made  on  any 
motion,  and  shall  be  decided  before  the  original 
motion  ;  but  when  a  question  is  under  debate,  no 
motion  shall  be  received,  unless  to  amend  it,  to 
postpone  it,  to  commit  it,  for  the  previous  ques- 
tion, or  to  adjourn.  If  a  question  contains  several 
parts,  any  member  may  have  it  divided,  and  a 


71 

question  taken  on  each  part.  When  the  previous 
question  is  called  for,  and  which  shall  be  in  this 
form — "  Shall  the  main  question  be  now  put  ?" — 
until  this  be  decided,  all  amendments  and  further 
debate  on  the  main  question  shall  be  inadmissible. 

7th.  A  question  shall  not  be  called  up  or  recon- 
sidered at  the  same  session  of  the  Synod  at  which 
it  has  been  decided,  unless  by  consent  of  two-thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

8th.  No  member  shall  be  allowed  to  protest 
against  any  of  the  acts  of  the  Synod :  any  member 
who  dissents  from  any  such  acts,  shall  have  a  right 
to  require  the  names  of  all  the  members  present, 
who  vote  for  or  against  the  same,  to  be  entered 
in  the  minutes,  and  published  therewith  for  the 
information  of  all  concerned. 

9th.  Every  speaker  shall  rise,  and  address  him- 
self to  the  President  only,  closely  attending  to  the 
subject  in  debate,  avoiding  all  personal  reflections, 
and  no  member,  without  the  special  permission  of 
the  Synod,  shall  speak  more  than  twice  on  the 
same  subject.  When  two  or  more  members  rise 
to  speak  at  the  same  time,  the  President  shall  de- 
termine who  of  them  shall  be  heard  first. 

10th.  No  member  shall  leave  the  Synod  tp  re- 
turn home,  or  for  other  business,  without  their 
consent ;  nor  shall  members,  without  express  per- 


72 

mission,  engage  in  private  conversation,  go  from 
or  change  their  seats,  during  the  transaction  of 
business ;  interrupt  another  when  he  is  speaking, 
except  he  be  out  of  order,  or  to  correct  mistakes 
and  misrepresentations ;  and  if  any  member  act 
indecently  or  disorderly,  contrary  to  these  rules, 
the  President  shall  reprove  or  otherwise  censure 
him,  as  the  Synod  shall  judge  proper  ;  the  mem- 
ber still  having  the  privilege,  if  he  think  himself 
denied  of  any  right,  or  unjustly  blamed  by  the  Pre- 
sident, of  respectfully  and  modestly  requiring  the 
decision  of  the  House  in  the  case. 

1 1th.  All  the  sittings  of  the  General  Synod  shall 
be  concluded  by  regular  adjournment  and  prayer. 

12th.  At  the  close  of  every  session  of  General 
Synod,  the  roll  shall  be  called,  and  the  names  of 
those  who  are  absent  without  permission  shall  be 
recorded. 

Resolved,  That  these  articles  be  read  at  the 
opening  of  every  General  Synod. 


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